NIGERIA: Russian Embassy in Nigeria, on Monday, denied being involved in the use of its flag by a group of #EndBadGovernance protesters in Northern Nigeria.
Several protesters in some Northern states, including Kano were seen marching on the streets, carrying Russian flag and chanting slogans, while others held placards with various messages.
Russia, a global power with significant geopolitical influence, has been accused of involvement in recent political upheavals in several West African countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
This has sparked concerns about external interference in regional affairs.
But the Embassy, in a statement, stressed the country does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, including Nigeria, adding that the protesters’ actions do not reflect any official Russian government policy or position.
The statement read, “The Embassy has noted the reports in Nigerian media and the circulation of videos and images in digital media depicting protesters in northern states of the country carrying Russian flags and chanting slogans to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“The Government of the Russian Federation as well as any Russian officials are not involved in these activities and do not coordinate them in any way.
“As always, we emphasize that Russia does not interfere in the domestic affairs of foreign states, including Nigeria. These intentions of some protesters to wave Russian flags are personal choices of individuals, and they do not reflect any official position or policy of the Russian Government in the issue.
“We respect Nigerian democracy and believe that peaceful demonstrations in conformity with the Nigerian law are a manifestation of democracy. However, should these events lead to any disruptions or acts of violence we strictly condemn them.”
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence, General Chris Musa and the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, have declared the action of such protesters as treasonable, vowing that the law would catch up with them.
